Creative Spirit US

According to two new studies from Ernest & Young and Disability:IN, at least 30% of neurodiverse professionals have outstanding proficiency in AI and big data, which are two of the top 10 skills expected to grow the fastest by 2030. With AI increasingly used by companies for a wide range of tasks, the adaptability and skill of neurodiverse professionals in utilizing it could open a variety of job opportunities and possibilities for career growth. In this original article, we explore concrete strategies that companies can use to achieve that, and why neurodiverse inclusion benefits everyone. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/eZExWNir #HireDifferent #Neurodiversity #AI #NeurodiversityAtWork Alt-Text: Side-profile silhouette of a head with the words "Al" inside it, against blue background, with caption of white text reading "Neurodivergent employees are faster and more skilled in adopting Al than employees who are neurotypical"

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed, and the disability rights movement was forever changed. Thanks to the decades of determination from disability rights activists such as Judy Heumann and Justin Dart, the ADA enforced accessibility, employment inclusion, and protections against workplace discrimination. 35 years later, we celebrate the achievements of these courageous activists and continue their fight for equality. In this article, “Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA: How We Can Build on Progress and Transform Disability Rights”, we explore the monumental impact of the ADA and how more progress can be made in creating an inclusive and accessible future. “Along with celebrating the heroism of those who fought for it, the ADA anniversary is a time to take stock of where disability rights stand right now, and the many ways that progress can move even further.” Click here to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/enB58m_e #HireDifferent #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct #DisabilityRights #ADA35

Many people outside the disabilities/neurodivergent community are unaware of the challenges young adults with disabilities face when transitioning into adulthood. These challenges include concerns about accessibility, inclusion, and finding fair-wage employment in a society where discrimination and lack of understanding from employers continue to be a problem. On July 21, PBS will premiere a new documentary, “The Ride Ahead”, spotlighting the experiences of young adults with disabilities and bringing those experiences to a wider audience. Co-directed by Samuel Habib, who is in his early 20s and lives with a rare genetic disorder, the documentary is intended to build awareness and to inspire and motivate viewers who have disabilities themselves. This is extremely important, as raising awareness is a crucial first step towards making a difference in fair-wage employment for people who are neurodivergent. You can learn more about the film here: https://lnkd.in/eQdcjzpQ  #HireDifferent #Documentary #NeurodiversityPride Alt-Text: Disability rights activist Judy Heumann in wheelchair, talking to director Samuel Habib, also in wheelchair, who is sitting next to his father. They are in a brightly-lit living room with potted plants on the table. Photo Credits: Dan Habib/LikeRightNow Films

The intersection between mental health and neurodiversity is a topic that doesn’t always receive the attention that it deserves. As many as 67 million Americans may be neurodivergent, according to research cited by CTE Policy Watch. People with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and others often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, partly due to struggles adapting to a society not designed to meet their needs. The importance of mental health awareness was driven home on June 20, 2025, when Mikayla Raines, a YouTube personality known for her work as a wildlife activist rescuing foxes, tragically took her own life at the age of 30. Raines’ husband, Ethan Raines, noted his wife’s deep empathy and emotional sensitivity, which he said had been hurt by recent online bullying and harassment, including from people she knew. Raines also explained that his wife was on the autism spectrum, which he says played a role in her passion for protecting animals (as some people with autism tend to hyperfocus on one particular subject). This heartbreaking loss underscores the importance of mental health awareness, especially awareness of the intersection between mental health and neurodiversity. Creative Spirit is working to create a more inclusive and accepting society for people with disabilities, by encouraging companies to provide reasonable accommodation and to appreciate neurodiverse talent. If anyone is feeling lost or struggling with depression, they should reach out here: https://lnkd.in/gNbwjtaN. You can learn more about this story by following this link:https://lnkd.in/eEYjvNRN. #HireDifferent #DisabilityRights #MentalHealthAwareness Alt-Text: Photo of woman (late YouTube personality Mikayla Raines) holding two baby foxes, with headline Creative Spirit Honors Mikayla Raines (1996-2025). Caption reads "Autistic, Neurodivergent Animal Rescue Activist SaveAFox Sanctuary Founder"

We’re excited to share that our partner, Publicis Media, has new openings for their Fall Internship Program! This part-time program is ideal for rising juniors and seniors in college looking to gain hands-on experience in the media and advertising field. Internship areas of focus may include Out of Home, Sports & Entertainment, Local Media, Finance, as well as other disciplines. In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities, interns will be given the opportunity to combine their passion for advertising with their own interests in a project that adds value to the organization. Normalizing neurodiversity in the workplace is a top priority for Publicis Media. Their motto, “Viva La Difference” embraces the strengths of a diverse workforce and represents their commitment to providing equitable and inclusive experiences for their talent. This is an 11-week, 20 hour per week in-person program beginning on September 29th, 2025 and concluding on December 12th, 2025. If you’re interested in this opportunity, please visit this link to view our job board for links to start your applications: https://lnkd.in/eG4bwMgh?. #HireDifferent #PublicisMedia #Neurodiversity #MediaInternships #AdvertisingInternships 

Ableist language, or language that discriminates against people with disabilities, can be extremely damaging, treating people with disabilities as inferior and leading to exclusion in employment. As some disability rights advocates have noted, language is about more than just words. Rather, it is a tool we use to assign value to things, which in turn affects how we interact with others. Ableist language results in people with disabilities being marginalized and treated as “other” or inferior. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the severe impact that words can have. In this original article, we share insights from experts and neurodiverse advocates on why ableist language is so detrimental, and how it can be reduced. You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/e9JTKThP. #HireDifferent #Ableism #DisabilityPride Alt-Text: Man sitting at laptop with text bubbles reading "he doesn't look disabled", "his coworkers are so patient", "he didn't melt down this time", and "what's wrong with him?

US job postings mentioning neurodiversity-related keywords rose from 0.5% to 1.3% from Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2024, according to a 2025 labor market update from HiringLab. However, this figure is mainly attributable to caretaker roles for neurodiverse individuals, rather than roles for neurodiverse people themselves. In reality, the actual number of job postings with neurodiversity keywords falls shorter, at 0.1% - 0.3%. While this finding is a step in the right direction, it also highlights the huge amount of progress that still needs to be made, and at a much faster rate. That’s why Creative Spirit is encouraging employers to appreciate neurodiverse talent through our HireDifferent Academy. We work directly with employers and companies of all backgrounds and sizes with coaching and training, helping them improve accessibility and inclusion for neurodiverse employees. You can learn more about Hiring Lab’s neurodiverse employment research here: https://lnkd.in/eWpAX77K.   #HireDifferent #NeurodiversityPride Alt-Text: Laptop against blue background with text on monitor reading "Job postings mentioning neurodiversity-related keywords, 0.1% -2018 - 0.3% 2025, Source: Indeed Hiring Lab". Above the laptop is white text reading “#HireDifferent”.

Ending subminimum wage for employees with disabilities has been a goal of disability rights advocates for decades. In a Federal Register notice this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that it will be ending a rule proposed by the Biden administration to stop the issuing of 14c certificates, and to phase out existing certificates within 3 years. To justify the move, the Department of Labor cited concerns from Congressional Republicans that the Department of Labor does not have the authority to do away with 14c certificates unilaterally. They also contested the Biden administration’s assessment that the certificates are no longer necessary. Creative Spirit’s view is that paying employees with disabilities subminimum wage is unethical and incompatible with an inclusive society for people with disabilities. You can learn more about these recent developments by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/dHNyWPyT.  Alt-Text: White font against black background reaing "We believe paying employees with disabilities subminimum wage is unethical and incompatible with an inclusive society for people with disabilities". #HireDifferent #End14c #DisabilityRights